Abrasive wear response of Al-Si–SiCp composite: Effect of friction heat and friction coefficient

Abstract

Abstract The effects of friction heat and friction coefficient on the abrasive wear response of Al-7.5Si–SiCp composite against low-cost hypereutectic (Al-17.5Si) alloy were investigated as functions of the abrasive size and applied load in both as-cast and after heat-treatment conditions. Experiments were performed on pin-on-disc apparatus at 38 –80 μm abrasive size, 5 – 20 N applied load, 100 –400 m abrading (sliding) distances and 1 m s–1 constant sliding speed. The frictional heating of as-cast and heat-treated composite was superior compared to the matrix alloy and hypereutectic alloy, whereas the trend reversed for the friction coefficient. The frictional heating and friction coefficient of the materials increased with the abrasive size and applied load in both as-cast and after heat-treatment. The worn surface and wear debris particles were examined by using field emission scanning electron microscopy to understand the wear mechanism.